Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1887-11-03
At Close Quarters With Rocky
Mountain Lion.

David w. Judd, Of the american 40
ricultmist, who makes annual tours
through the fur western States and Ter
ritories, narrates the following In the
November number
One August afternoon we made the
ascent of Helen's Mountain, In the
range forming the boundary of North
Park, Colorado, to catch view OF the
superb sweep beyond. II was long
and wearisome climb. but the magnih-
cent views stretching far away In every
direction richly repaid us. Far below
lay the beautiful Estes Park, and ex-
tending far as the eye could reach ap-
peared peak after peak, many Of them
covered with snow here in July. Nes-
tied beneath us several hundi ed feet
was a miniature lake covered with ice,
which did not yield to the stones hurled
upon its surface.
After feasting our vision for some
hours we began the descent, which was
very difficult, inasmuch as falling rain
froze as it fell. took my cartridges
from my Winchester, fearing lest l
might slip and discharge them. When
half way down the mountain we reached
n small plateau in the center OF which
was a clump Of cottonwood trees.
Ralph was perhaps three rods ahead,
and Folly fifteen PAGES. | turned from
the path to this clump of trees for
moment, thinking perhaps l might
start cinnamon bear. Judge of my
dismay when a Rocky Mountain lion
suddenly sprang from the thicket, rest
ed upon a broken tree not twenty feet
away, and savagely glared upon me,ap-
parently prepared to spring upon the
intruder who had entered his lair. 1t
was q most exciting moment. l quick
ly brought my rifle to the shoulder, and
aiming between his eyes, drew the
trigger to no effect. Again and again
l attempted to discharge the rifle, for
getting in the suspense that the car
tridges had been withdrawn. 1t was
indeed a trying ordeal. If stopped 20
remove what was an imperfect car
fridge and substitute another one, or If
turned and fled, the glaring creature,
who looked TO me as big as buffalo.
would pounce upon me and tear me to
pieces in jlffy. / did neither. but for
tuhately had sufficient presence OF
mind remaining to whistle in a low
tone to Foley just ahead. He turned,
and taking in the situation ut q glance,
quick as lightning fash sent bullet
through the animals heart. You look
little pale, Mr.. Judd, he exclaimed IN
half numerous manner, as he quietly
came back to me. Il do not think you
could blame anybody for being ratLer
pale under the circumstances l. re.
sponded. 1t was very fortunate for me
that had no bullet in my rife +; being
In such close proximity, should un.
doubtedly have shot high above the
point aimed at, and barely grazed his
skull, when the then wounded and con.
sequently infuriated animal would
have jumped and finished me In short
order. On inspecting the surroundings
we found the remains Of an antelope
close by, upon which the now dead zen.
emy" had gorged himself. am told
that when near evening one OF these
mountain lions delivers its peculiar
roar, the antelope for long distance
around are fairly terroriZed and flee fol
miles.
Unlike Mr.. Roosevelt, l have never
killed Grizzlies at short range, aud | dc
not care ever again TO meet lion under
such circumstances. He appeared ia
be as large as any OF the genuine Afri.
CAPS which have seen in the menag.
cries, and few days after, at the rail.
way station at Rock Creek, we saw one
of these Rocky Mountain lions, which
considerably exceeded in size the im.
ported African Gagged near him. That
night around the campfire, the reader
may be sure we had a very exciting
story to narrate TO Uncle Pierson and
Auditor Weston, who had remained
in the valley while we made the ascent.